With just days until the Westfield Health British Transplant Games begin in Newport on July 25th, organisers have unveiled a partnership with the Newport Now Business Improvement District (BID).
Around 900 people whose lives have been saved by transplant operations will compete in 23 different sports at venues across the city. The BID is sponsoring events taking place at the Newport Centre and is supporting The Donor Run which takes place on Saturday 27 July. The run is open to anybody who would like to take part and will take runners – and walkers – from The Riverfront down the west bank of the River Usk.
The BID has also stepped in to support city dressing within the city centre. BID Manager Kevin Ward explains:
“Attracting the British Transplant Games to Newport is a coup for the city and shows again our ability to deliver major events."
“The BID was keen to ensure the Games had an impact on the city centre and we’re delighted to be able to fund some initiatives to that end."
“Competitors and their families and friends with receive a warm welcome in the city centre from our fantastic shops, restaurants, bars, cafes and coffee shops.”
Event Organiser Andrew Bridge is busy putting the final touches to the event before athlete registration opens on Thursday:
“Planning has gone really smoothly and that’s down to the fantastic support we’ve received here in Newport – from the city council and Newport Live to the BID, Rodney Parade, Celtic Manor, Newport County AFC and a whole host of other agencies and organisations such as Icon Creative.
“Very early on in the planning, the BID was really supportive in helping us open doors and speak to the business community in and around Newport which has been invaluable. When the Games officially start on Thursday, competitors will be floored by the fantastic facilities at the International Sports Village, Celtic Manor and in the city centre and by Newport’s warm welcome."
The aim of the Games is to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation. Wales was the first to introduce a soft opt-out system of the organ donor register. However, the decision on organ donation is made by loved ones. That’s why organisers are keen to spread the word that you need to make your wishes – whatever they may be - known to your loved ones.
As of 31st December 2018, there were 232 patients in Wales waiting for a transplant. In the first three quarters of 2018/19, 19 patients died while on the active waiting list.
The event is supported by Westfield Health, Welsh Government, Newport City Council, Newport Live, the local health boards across Wales, NHS Blood and Transplant, Kidney Care UK, Anthony Nolan Register, Donor Family Network and Believe Organ Donor Support. Further sponsors include Friars Walk, Icon Design, Rodney Parade and Celtic Manor.
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